Education Secretary Threatens California Over Transgender Athlete Policy

On Monday, U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon announced the potential for legal action against the state of California. This followed California's refusal to ban transgender girls from participating in girls' sports, a measure demanded by the Trump administration. McMahon's statement, made on X, indicated that California Governor Gavin Newsom would be contacted by U.S. Attorney-General Pam Bondi.

This statement represents the latest development in the ongoing debate surrounding transgender youth. It also highlights the personal rivalry between former President Trump and Governor Newsom. Since returning to office, Trump has prioritized reversing advancements in transgender rights. In contrast, California has allowed student-athletes to participate in sports according to their gender identity since 2013.

The Justice Department and the Education Department did not immediately provide further details regarding McMahon's comment. Similarly, California's state Education Department, Governor Newsom's office, and the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), the governing body for high school sports, all declined to comment.

In June, the U.S. Education Department declared California in violation of the Trump administration's interpretation of Title IV, the education law prohibiting sex-based discrimination. The department demanded that the state change its policy. California rejected this directive and, in anticipation of legal action, filed a pre-enforcement lawsuit against the U.S. Justice Department in June.

During the state high school track and field championship in June, the CIF took action to address the controversy. Girls who were displaced from the finals due to a transgender athlete's participation were given the opportunity to compete. The CIF also allowed girls to appear on the winners' podium if they would have won a medal without the transgender athlete competing.

As a result of these actions, the CIF crowned two champions in both the girls' high jump and triple jump events. This occurred after transgender girl AB Hernandez won both events.